Hi Reg, thanks so much for speaking to us about your Group and, of course, yourself!
Q: When were you diagnosed with arthritis?
I was diagnosed in 1988. I have osteoarthritis in my knees, right hip, shoulders, wrists and spine with scoliosis.
Q: How did you first hear about Arthritis Care?
I was looking online for arthritis support groups in Redcar but didn’t find any information. I contacted Arthritis Research who then referred me to Arthritis Care, as they told me you would be best able to help me find a group in my local area.
So I contacted Arthritis Care to see if there were any groups in Redcar or if I could offer my skills to start one up.
Q: How long have you been part of the Group in Redcar?
About six months – I started thinking about setting up a group in Redcar in August 2016. I worked with Arthritis Care to go through the practical steps of getting started.
The first thing I needed to do was find a venue for the Redcar Group. It took me about a month to find a suitable place and by November I held my first meeting.
Q: What kinds of things could somebody visiting your group expect?
Someone coming to the Redcar Group should expect to meet with other people from the area who also have arthritis. We share our experiences of having with arthritis as well as tips for living with the condition.
You’ll be welcomed with a cup of tea and a chat. You’ll hear us say to each other “I’ve tried this, have you tried that?”.
We also have some of Arthritis Care’s publications available to promote learning more about our condition and the support and information that Arthritis Care can provide.
Q: We are strong supporters of the idea that exercise is one of the best ways to stay healthy and manage arthritis. As somebody who has always been very active, what works best for you?
I have worked in the Fitness Industry for many years helping people to achieve their goals. As a Remedial Therapist I still do so. I help people to see that they are capable of more than they think; to be the best that they can be.
I have always been into weight training, so exercise is an important part of my life. I have tried many different activities over the years, alternating between weight training and martial arts. Nearly thirty years after diagnosis, I continue to lift and have recently ‘stepped up’ my training programme. My current personal goal is to once again clear a 1000lbs on the leg press. I'm nearly there !
For me, I think it is important to build strength in the muscles around any joints as it is helpful in coping with and managing your arthritis. Weight training is my favourite and I really enjoy it so this is what works best for me.
Having dabbled in yoga for many years, I currently practice two or three times a week. In January I decided to start cycling again. The first few rides of 10 miles were very challenging on my knees. After just a few weeks I found that the therapies I am using have proved to be very effective and my most recent rides have been pain-free.
Keeping active is very important! The main thing is that people should do activities that they enjoy. If you like the social aspect of exercise, join a class so that you get both the physical and social benefits of the activity.
With having a condition like arthritis, some people may feel that they can’t do the activities they once enjoyed anymore. It is possible to continue being active by changing or making modifications so that you can still get the same pleasure. This has definitely been the case with the chair-based exercise classes I’ve run! I think being active and living with arthritis as like having an exercise bank account. When I exercise I know that I have to make an effort (the Investment) and any discomfort is like the fee charged on the account. But I know that my effort will yield benefits(the Interest) for my entire body.
No matter your starting point, everybody can get active and make some progress. It’s important to focus on what you can do and not compare yourself to others. I always remind myself to focus on being the best that I can be.
Q: How important do you think it is to be able to share and learn with other people with arthritis?
Staying indoors on your own makes people feel isolated. I think getting out and doing something like joining a group means that you’re able to share your experiences with others who have a similar condition to yourself.
When I started the Redcar Group, there was nothing in my area for people with arthritis. I want there to be a place and an opportunity for people to feel connected. It’s not only somewhere to talk to your peers but I also want to have activities on offer for people locally. I have ideas about chair-based exercise sessions and running fun and interesting meetings.
I think it is important to direct people who come to the group to other events or activities that are happening in Redcar, like Nordic walking or lunch clubs.
Q: What advice would you give someone looking to start their own group?
Be prepared to chip away at the wall in front of you. Initially it may seem that there are barriers and challenges ahead when you start to set up a new group. You have to remember that things aren’t going to be handed to you on a plate.
Finding a venue has been the biggest challenge but it’s not insurmountable. We’ve held our meetings in a temporary venue for the last few months. In April, we are moving to a new venue which finally feels more like my original ideas for the Redcar Group. This place provides us with many more opportunities and will allow me to tap into the local community to promote the support we can provide.
I have really enjoyed meeting new people in my Group and in the community. I have been able to connect with different people and make new networks.
You have to want to put in the hard work at the beginning to have the reward of seeing your group develop. It’s worth it!
but you see that proves the point that I made, that people should exercise in a way that suits them.
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